The President of Argentina last night attacked Britain over its decision to
fly the flag of the Falkland Islands above Downing Street to mark the 30th
anniversary of the end of the conflict, suggesting the Government should
feel ‘ashamed’.

Mrs Kirchner wants to open talks with the British over the sovereignty of the islandsPhoto: AFP

Cristina Kirchner’s comments will fuel the war of words between Britain and Argentina coming as they did just hours after the Prime Minister David Cameron said that he was not prepared to play a “game of global Monopoly” with the islands and that they would remain a British territory. He said there would be "no negotiation" with Argentina over the islands.

But his strongly-worded statement was matched by Mrs Kirchner. Speaking at a United Nations committee on decolonisation in New York she accused Downing Street of ‘celebrating’ the war. And later she appeared to criticise Britain’s role in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mrs Kirchner wants to open talks with the British over the sovereignty of the islands, ignoring the Falkland Islanders who are not recognised by the Argentinians.

This week it was announced that the Falkland Islands Government will hold a referendum on their future. The island’s government says it will provide the international community with proof the islanders do not believe they are ruled by the British Mr Cameron last night backed the referendum and urged Argentina to do the same.

But Mrs Kirchner responded by criticising Mr Cameron. She said: “When I looked today at 10 Downing Street and saw them and what they were doing with the flag which they call the Falkland Islands flag, I felt shame from afar for them because wars are not to be celebrated nor are they to be commemorated. Do you know why? Because many people lost their lives.”

Mrs Kirchner compared the act with flying flags above Downing Street to celebrate the German surrender in the Second World War or above the White House to celebrate the Japanese surrender in the same conflict.

She added: “Why are they doing this to us? We had nothing to do with that dictatorship. We were victims.”

Mr Cameron had previously accused the Argentinians of issuing threats. While delegates from the Falkland Islands said Argentina was bullying its people. Addressing these suggestions Mrs Kirchner added: “How can anyone paint us that way when since 1983 we have only been part of military missions in peace keeping.”

Once again appearing to take aim at Britain, she added: “They will not find us in Iraq or Afghanistan and if we are talking about referendums, let’s have a referendum in Iraq or Afghanistan and see what they think.”

Earlier Mr Cameron delivered a rebuke to Argentina in which he said there would be “no negotiation” over the future of the islands.

Mr Cameron said he had no wish to stoke a row with Argentina, but added: “When it comes to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, there will be absolutely no negotiation.

“This is not some game of global Monopoly – with nations passing a territory between them. It’s about the islanders determining their own future. This has been their home for almost 180 years. There are children whose ancestors have lived there for generations. The roots go deep — and they will not be ripped out.

“So my message to the government of Argentina is this. The UK has no aggressive intentions towards you. Accusations of militarisation and nuclear threats are hyperbole and propaganda.

“But do not underestimate our resolve. Threats will not work. Attempts to intimidate the islanders will not succeed. Because Britain stands ready and willing to stand up for the Falkland Islanders at any time. As long as they wish to remain a British territory, that is the way it will stay.”

At the UN committee meeting, before Mrs Kirchner’s comments, delegates from the Falkland Islands Government accused the Argentine president of ignoring the human rights of the islanders by renewing attempts to have the country brought under Argentine rule.

Mrs Kirchner’s attendance at the UN committee is thought to be the first time a head of state has addressed such a low-level committee.

In what appeared to be another swipe at the British, Mrs Kirchner finished her statement by saying: "We are just asking to sit down at a table to talk. Can someone in the modern world deny that possibility and say they are leaders of the civilised world and defenders of human rights. No, the truth is one cannot do both."

At the meeting she was addressed by a committee from the Falkland Islands. It is believed to be the first time representatives from the islands have been in the same room as the Argentine premier.

Roger Edwards, a member of the legislative assembly of the Falkland Islands Government said: "This Argentine Government claims to fight against colonialism, yet wishes to take away our people’s rights, annex our islands and subject our people to alien subjugation and domination – the very definition of colonialism.

"This Argentine Government claims to fight for human rights. What about the human rights of Falkland Islanders? Or do human beings not have human rights if they reside on a piece of land that Argentina wants?"

Mrs Kirchner said she was "not going to say anything about those who have spoken defending their position," adding: "Our dispute is with the UK."

Yesterday the Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne visited the capital Stanley as part of a series of commemorative services. He said: “Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. It is the reason that the people of the Falkland Islands are able to choose their own future today.”